s i x s e n s e s: v a n u a t u

Just got back from my holiday in Vanuatu.

A week is never enough time to explore a country with 83 islands but we managed to see and eat quite a bit :)

Must do:

Tanna Island - Drive to the summit of the world's most accessible active volcano, Mount Yasur. I did a day trip with a scenic flight but there is the option to do the twilight tour as well. One of the more pricer tours but you won't regret it.

Iririki Island - Head over to the green bungalow-laden island for a swim (in the pools or beach), snorkel, kayak or jet-ski. The 24-hour ferry takes three minutes and departs from beside the Grand Hotel and Casino. The trip’s 1500VT, which is redeemable on food and drinks.

Blue Lagoon Swimming Hole - Well worth the 35 minute taxi ride through the lush country side. It was $500VT to enter, worth every penny. This amazing unique water hole is so so blue, with rope swings and sitting areas. A MUST DO whilst in Vila.

Turtle Bay - Located at Blue Water Resort,it’s a sustainable-eating type of a ‘resort’ and on our tour we were shown the pigs and their piglets and in another enclosure were chickens and fruit bats. The hens are kept for their eggs but the roosters end up on the menu and it was a shock to hear that the ‘free-range’ bats are also on the menu.You can hand-feed the turtles pawpaw and they practically climb out of the pool to be fed a slither of pawpaw.

Markets - There are two markets located on the harbour front in Port Vila. One is the colourful ‘Mama’s Markets’ which are open 24 hours a day (close afternoon Saturday to Monday morning)and the handicraft markets. Explore the wonderful array of exotic fruit & vegetables or sample local dishes like lap-lap for as cheap at $350VT.

Ekasup Cultural Village - Tour looking at traditional village life, medicines, food, dancing and hunting methods (like how to catch fish with a spider’s web). Local men, women and children participate enduring the traditional culture is passed through the generations.

Snorkelling at Hideaway Island - Unfortunately didn't get to do, but heard it was great for snorkelling.

Champagne beach, Espiritu Santo Island - The other place I didn't make it to, known for its snorkelling and crystal clear beaches.

The Lookout, Exotic Thai Restaurant - Best papaya salad/penang curry since Thailand + great views of Port Vila.

Vila Chaumieres - An absolutely stunning surprise to find this quaint restaurant/resort. Amazing food in a romantic setting overlooking the water.

Nambawan Cafe - Delicious healthy salads & smoothies overlooking the harbour.

The Beach Bar - Every Friday from 7.00pm the Beach Bar’s very own Fire Dancing troupe perform the most amazing Fire show.Be sure to reserve a table as seats fill up fast.